Washington is refighting the battle over Obamacare

(NBC News) -- With a potential government shutdown looming after the end of this week, Washington is refighting the battle over Obamacare.

"Will not bow to tea party anarchists," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

Senate democrats are ready to vote on a House-passed budget after stripping out the provision that defunds the President's health care plan.

And if they do that, Texas republican Ted Cruz is threatening a filibuster.

"And i think senate republicans are going to stand side by side with Speaker Boehner and House republicans listening to the people and stopping this train wreck that is Obamacare," Cruz said during an interview on Fox News Sunday.

With no breakthrough, Uncle Sam won't be able to pay the bills after Sunday.

"This has nothing to do with politics. This has something to do with people trying to shut the government down and they're trying to hold both parties hostage," said New Jersey democrat, Congressman Bill Pascrell.

For government workers, the latest crisis is familiar ground.

"It happens every three months and every three months they figure out how to cobble together something and then it's three months later on," said one government employee.

Some government contractors hope lawmakers can compromise but getting ready if they don't.

"Tucking away as much money as possible. That's all you can do," said Veronica Halliburton.

Meanwhile, the clock is ticking down, with most wondering if Congress will once again fail to reach an agreement.